After securing an important three points on the road last week, Melbourne City returns to AAMI Park this Friday night to take on Macarthur.
A hard-fought clash across the ditch saw City grind out a crucial win against Wellington, with Marco Tilio’s 51st-minute strike proving decisive.
The victory extended City’s recent strong form, with seven points collected from our last three fixtures.
Now, two vital home matches await before the international break, starting with a Macarthur side desperate to break a four-game winless streak.
Head Coach Aurelio Vidmar has named his extended squad for Friday night football, with two key inclusions boosting City’s ranks.
Yonatan Cohen is set for his first appearance of 2025 after recovering from the MCL injury he sustained in our New Year’s Eve draw with Central Coast.
Meanwhile, midfield depth will be further strengthened by the return of Steven Ugarkovic, who has been cleared to play after missing the last two fixtures with a hamstring issue.
Mikey Ghossaini has also been promoted to the extended squad, with Ben Mazzeo dropping out from last week’s trip to Wellington.
Speaking to media on Thursday morning, Vidmar confirmed that young midfielder Alessandro Lopane will get another run with the Youth Team this weekend but could come into selection contention for next Wednesday’s clash against Newcastle.
Round 22 ALM Squad
2. Callum TALBOT, 6. Steven UGARKOVIC, 7. Mathew LECKIE, 10. Yonatan COHEN, 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 17. Max CAPUTO, 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 23. Marco TILIO, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 27. Kai TREWIN, 30. Andreas KUEN, 33. Patrick BEACH (GK), 38. Harry POLITIDIS, 39. Emin DURAKOVIC, 40. James NIEUWENHUIZEN (GK), 41. Lawrence WONG, 47. Kavian RAHMANI, 50. Mikey GHOSSAINI.
In: 6. Steven UGARKOVIC, 10. Yonatan COHEN (both return from injury), 50. Mikey GHOSSAINI (promoted).
Out: 46. Ben MAZZEO (omitted).
Unavailable: 8. Jimmy JEGGO (achilles), 15. Andrew NABBOUT (knee), 34. Jayden NECOVSKI (knee).
